Vigil

Sitting, waiting, hoping that there has indeed been a mix-up and that the package was not stolen from my patio, among the things I did was to read Paul's letter to the Romans. I've only ever skimmed through it, especially since it was so significant to the Reformers. The just shall live by faith. 

First off, can I presume that, instead of solely to the congregation of believers in Rome, it was written to me? I don't mean in a delusional sense, but am I worthy to make that presumption? Do I believe as did Paul and the people he wrote to?

(Meanwhile, the UPS truck has arrived. Still complicated. The driver says he was the one who left the delivery note and that he did not leave the package. He then said that, although I was on his route board, the package was not on the truck! Well, a relief to know that and have him affirm it. So I go to call local Customer Service to arrange a will-call for Monday. Again, complications. Waiting on return of supervisor to sort it out.)

Do I believe as they did? I can't say that I do. Paul believed Jesus was the Son of God, indeed that He is God. I do so as well. He believed He was returning. I think the immanence of this prospect has waned through the ages. Paul believed... soon. I don't know. Paul believed God, the Father and the Son, created the world and all in it. I'm subjected to the 'scientific' skepticism of that and don't believe so much as I'd like to know. We take it on faith. And there are scientists who, the beginning undetermined, aver there's something still more we don't know about quantum events, so to speak, where, literally, anything can happen. So, I believe that with God, all things are possible. I believe differently, if you will.

(Got in touch with supervisor. He has the package! I prayed over this. Thank You, Lord. I was feeling sorry for myself, living again in hope. My mother used to say, tongue-in-cheek, "Live in hope, die in despair." Sometimes a despondency grips me. I'm so glad. On the way to pick it up, my mood uplifted, I was almost chipper! Got the phone. It's charging.)

I only got to Chapter 7. The just shall live by faith. Judged for our sins, we are forgiven; all sin against the law and fall short of the glory of God. We are saved through His graciousness nonetheless. I shall have to finish this later after reading the rest and thinking it through. No... I believe. Church tomorrow.

(Took some shots while at the UPS facility. I was very happy. Saw some marigolds.)